RE: Caliber and Recoil Question ?
Hi RR
I believe (from memory) the .223 has about 4 lbs of recoil, and depending on the load, about 18 from the .30-06.
Take a look at the packaged Savage products, especially with the Accutrigger, they are priced well below your range and are excellent.
If you want more juice, look at .243, .25-06, .260 and .7mm-08.
Good Luck.
CE